I used to go to Khenpo Wangdak's classes in NYC, and he is a very funny and down to earth teacher with a strong background in philosophy.

Sakya Kachod Choling is very happy to announce that Khenpo Pema Wangdak has, with great kindness, agreed to give our annual Green Tara retreat this spring and teachings on Shamatha and Vipassana meditation at Sakya Kachod Choling, San Juan Island, WA. This will be a wonderful opportunity for experienced practitioners to deepen their practice and it will give those who would like to start the opportunity to do so. Khenpo Pema Wangdak is a marvelous teacher whose explanations are clear and easy to understand, yet very deep and his sense of humor makes for a very relaxed atmosphere. Retreat space is limited. We encourage you to register as early as possible.

Retreat Commitments and General Information:1. This will be a silent retreat. Silence starts with the Green Tara empowerment. you absolutely will not be able to send or receive e-mails or phone calls. Be sure this is clearly understood by family and friends. All business and personal matters must be taken care of before arriving at the retreat.

Silence within the retreat will follow these guidelines: functional speech only, i.e. associated with chores and practice questions. Discursive speech, chatting with friends, telling one's life stories can be very distracting and disruptive to one's ability to not only keep the silence but in maintaining mental concentration on the deity.

2. Meals: all meals will be strictly vegetarian. People with life threatening food allergies or health conditions should let that be known and they will be taken into consideration when planning meals.

3. There is no mantra commitment for this retreat.4. Lodging: Sleeping bags in the shrine room.

Registration: A deposit of 50% of the retreat fees will hold your place and must be received on or before March 12. Your deposit guarantees you space in the retreat and will be on a first come basis. The balance of the amount is due on or before April 12th .

All payments should be made to Sakya Society in US funds: check, Visa/Master Card, traveler's checks or money orders payable on a US bank.

Send reservation/ membership forms and payments to: Sakya Society, PO Box 3191, Friday Harbor, WA 98250Cancellations: 100% refund up to March 21st ; through April 2nd total fees less $25. After April 2nd, no refunds, but a credit of retreat fees less $25 will be given towards another group or private retreat with a two year expiration date on a space available basis.

Wait listed people will be contacted about openings as they occur.

How foolish you are, grasping the letter of the text and ignoring its intention! - Vasubandhu

Khempo Pema Wangdak is my root guru and, at the risk of sounding biased, I´d recommend his approach without a doubt; he´s very, very knowledgable, practical and above all, has a wonderful sense of humour.